The Weekend Plan-It: Jason Isbell, the Dirty Guv’nahs, and Trampled by Turtles

Good morning! We’re just hours away from the official weekend! So take a look at what’s going on this weekend, and make some plans.

FRIDAY
Today is the day to indulge any and all of your musical whims. Start with WDVX’s Blue Plate Special at noon in the visitor center, where Tab Spencer will perform, along with Laurel Wright. As always, it’s free to attend.

After work, head over to Lost and Found Records, where local soul legend Clifford Curry will be on hand for a meet-and-greet as part of Lost and Found’s End of Summer Soul Celebration. DJ’s will be spinning soul records. It’s free to attend, and the party starts at 5 p.m.

Former Drive-By Truckers guitarist Jason Isbell will perform a solo show at the Tennessee Theatre tonight at 8. Tickets are $29.50-$39.50. Buy them here.

Heading to Chilhowee Park for the Tennessee Valley Fair tonight? Let your kids roll their eyes at you while you get your groove on to 1980s soft rockers Air Supply (and Joey Pierce). They’ll take the stage at 8. Tickets are $15 at the gate.

Wrap up the night with Knoxville’s own Dirty Guv’nahs, who’ll play at the Bijou Theatre in support of their new album Hearts on Fire. The show starts at 9. Tickets are $23.50. Buy them here. (And if you miss their Friday show, they’re also playing on Saturday!)

SATURDAY
Chess in the Park—where beginner and intermediate chess players can come observe, learn, and play chess at Krutch Park—kicks off at 9 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m. It’s free to attend! More info here.

The Tennessee Valley Fair opens at 10 a.m. Beat the heat and get there early.

Got a daughter in 4th-6th grade who likes the outdoors? Ijams Nature Center will host a Girls Outside Hike around Mead’s Quarry. It’s free to attend! Register here, and take a look at upcoming Girls Outside events (including hikes for other age groups).

Local hard rockers Deconbrio will take the stage at the Concourse, along with Annandale, Inward of Eden, and Omega Down. The show starts at 8. It’s FREE to attend! 18+ only.

Wrap up the night at the Preservation Pub, where Susto will perform, along with Guy Marshall. The show starts at 10. Cover’s $5. 21+ only.

SUNDAY
Reptile lovers! Repticon is coming to town! Head over to the Knoxville Expo Center on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10. More info here.

Hank Williams fans! The Clarence Brown Theatre will present a production of Hank Williams: Lost Highwayat 2 p.m. at the Carousel Theatre. Tickets are $22-$42. Buy them here.

The Sundress Academy will hold a reading for participants at the Birdhouse at 3 p.m. Go check out what’s been going on at the local arts colony. It’s free to attend!

Wrap up the night at the Bijou Theatre, where folkies Trampled by Turtles (who recently did a Tiny Desk Concert for NPR) will perform. Hurray for the Riff Raff will open. Tickets are $26.50. Buy them here.